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Porter added a five-point list of the advantages blogs have over resumes, including a blog’s ability to represent the individual, its archival quality, and the blogger’s editorial control over it. One of his commenters noted that the editorial control enables the blogger to go back into archived entries and update or revise them.

Among other pro-blog-as-resume points made by commenters:

Blogs may reveal more of the job-seeker’s essence than a resume can. One commenter noted that a resume “cannot show them my passion, my intellect, my personality, etc.”, while another added, “How the hell is [a corporate-speak covering letter and a bullet point resume] meant to convey my personality and strong work ethos?” Pointing to the future, a commenter said: “Resume[s] will no longer be important — blogs will be.” Another added: “I do get a bit surprised when someone asks to see my resume. I think it’s so obsolete. I don’t believe that it necessarily has to be a blog, but creating a Web presence seems to me a more effective way of showing potential employers, business partners, or investors who you are and what you’ve done.”

A blog may be a way for the job-seeker to distinguish himself or herself. The point of not using a resume, a commenter said, is to stand out from all the others — “creative alternatives to tired and conventional job searching.”

In blog-obsessed industries, not having a blog can be a deficit. Darowski wrote: “Those who don’t [have blogs] will be at a disadvantage. Hiring managers will say… “Okay, why does this person not have a blog? Is it because (1) they have nothing to say?; (2) they can’t communicate?; or (3) they can’t be bothered?”

Blogs show how well you express yourself. “I think another point to make is how important a blog is for demonstrating one’s ability to communicate clearly and articulately — and to think critically,” a commenter wrote. Conversely, if you’re a weak writer, a blog is probably not your best showcase.

Blogs are proving themselves as resume substitutes. Several commenters reported success in getting interviews and jobs through their blogs. “In my experience I have had more positive feedback about my blog in interviews and during the job seeking process,” wrote a commenter. “It is a way for an employer to get a snapshot of your personality.”

Dr. Randall S. Hansen is founder of Quintessential Careers, one of the oldest and most comprehensive career development sites on the Web, as well CEO of EmpoweringSites.com. He is also founder of MyCollegeSuccessStory.com and EnhanceMyVocabulary.com. He is publisher of Quintessential Careers Press, including the Quintessential Careers electronic newsletter, QuintZine. Dr. Hansen is also a published author, with several books, chapters in books, and hundreds of articles. He’s often quoted in the media and conducts empowering workshops around the country. Finally, Dr. Hansen is also an educator, having taught at the college level for more than 15 years. Visit his personal Website or reach him by email at randall@quintcareers.com. Check out Dr. Hansen on GooglePlus.

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